3 Ways to Treat Bleeding After Sex

1. Treating Cervical Disorders That Cause Bleeding After Sex

Bleeding after sex, also called post-coital bleeding, can be a symptom of a number of gynecological conditions and should always be evaluated by a doctor. Problems with the cervix are among the more common conditions that cause bleeding after sex, particularly sex that involve deep penetration. Cervical dysplasia, cervical polyps and cervicitis are the main culprits. These conditions are mostly benign, but they may be pre-cancerous or cancerous.

All three conditions can all be treated rather easily by a gynecologist. Mild cases can resolve on their own under supervision, but moderate to severe cases may require a minor surgical procedure. Electrocauterization, cryosurgery or laser surgery is used to remove the abnormal cells or polyps from the surface. Antibiotics are often given to prevent infection and/or to treat any comorbid infection contributing to the condition. During treatment for these conditions, you should abstain from sexual intercourse until cleared by your doctor. Once the cervix is healed, however, you should no longer experience bleeding after sex or any other related symptoms.

2. Treating Uterine Disorders That Cause Bleeding After Sex

Uterine disorders including endometriosis, uterine polyps and uterine fibroids can also cause bleeding after sex. Depending on their level of severity, there are a variety of treatments for these disorders. Hormone therapy and surgery are used to treat endometriosis. Uterine polyps can managed in the short term with medication or surgically excised using a hysteroscope for guidance. Uterine fibroids can be shrunk with medication, but a surgical procedure is required for longer-term results. There are several surgeries used to treat uterine fibroids, including myomectomy, which is the surgical removal of the fibroids (there are various approaches to this surgery). Uterine artery embolization cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Focused ultrasound surgery ablates the fibroids using high-frequency, high-energy sound waves. The last choice is usually a hysterectomy in which the uterus is completely removed. Treatment for uterine conditions can be a long process, and symptoms like bleeding after sex may not fully go away until the condition is resolved.

3. Treating Infections That Cause Bleeding After Sex

Infections like yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases are common causes for post-coital bleeding. Most of these infections can be treated relatively easily with a broad-spectrum antibiotic or an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or suppository. Some STDs, however, have developed a resistance to certain antibiotics like penicillin. In these cases, another round of antibiotics may be needed. Sexual intercourse is discouraged during treatment, and it is highly recommended that you get your partner tested and treated if you have an STD to prevent reinfection. Once the infection is gone, you should have no further problem with bleeding after sex.